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A CULTURAL PRESERVATION FEATURE |
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BY GUYAUSHK (JAMES E. PETE, DBA) |
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This
Cultural Preservation Feature is a part of a series of stories, tales,
traditional art work, and articles directed at the preserving various
aspects of life in the Red Cliff Community, from past to the present
and for the future. |
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The
Cultural Preservation Features reflects a part of the Red Cliff
Community while growing up in the late 1950’s and beyond. It is made
possible by hearing and listening to stories of life from Elders and
others in the Red Cliff Community. |
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So,
many times, I’ve heard…”I wish I would have recorded him/her”…or
…”member when Gramma used to say”….or…”he’d always share that story
about when they went to the Islands to pick blueberries”… |
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The
reflections these individuals shared, might in the form of a short
story, gossip, a photo (or photo’s), finding “old” papers and other
documents and putting those into a written or narrative format. |
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Cultural Preservation Features, number 1 and 2,
are about Min-de moi-yeah and Biim-ee-bah-too Makwa, who were created
as a part of the Native American Art History Class in the 2007 Spring
Semester, through the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College at
the Red Cliff Campus, by James E. Pete, DBA, Course Instructor. |
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You will notice there are no facial features.
Some Native Tribes believe a person’s spirit can be captured if facial
features are replicated on dolls or masks. |
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MIN-DE MOI-YEAH
(OLD LADY) |
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This is Min-de moi-yeah. Min-de moi-yeah means “Old Lady” in
the Anishinabe language. Being called in Old Lady or Old Man
in the Anishinabe culture is a sign of respect. |
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Min-de moi-yeah is from the Red Cliff
Chippewa Tribe and will be turning 100 years old. Her
relatives and friends will be having an Honoring Ceremony and
Feast for her to celebrate her birthday. Her relatives and
friends made this new dress, moccasins, sash, and beadwork to
help her celebrate. |
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Min-de moi-yeah
is from the Bear Clan (Makwa Do-daim). The Bear Clan served
both as the Police Force and as a healer of the people.
Because they spent so much time patrolling outside the
village, close to nature, they became known for their
knowledge of medicinal plants. She has been a strong
influence in the Red Cliff and other Chippewa Communities in
teaching the language, art, dance, and gathering medicines.
She is a highly respected elder. |
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Min-de moi-yeah is
the last of her immediate family alive. The fringes on her
dress represent the five children she gave birth to and has
outlived all of them. |
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A week
after the Honoring Ceremony and Feast for Min-de moi-yeah
celebrating her 100th birthday, she passed on to
the Spirit World. Min-de moi-yeah was so honored and thought
the new dress, moccasins, sash, and beadwork was so beautiful,
she told people she wanted to wear these items when she was
going on her journey in to the Spirit World. |
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While all
the people were sad to have lost a great and respected Elder,
all felt blessed to have learned so much from Min-de moi-yeah
throughout the years. In her quiet way, she touched many
lives. |
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BIIM-EE-BAH-TOO MAKWA
(RUNNING BEAR) |
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This is Biim-ee-bah-too Makwa or Running Bear. His nick name
is “Makwa” on the Rez and at 16 years old, is a young man.
Makwa is from the Mii-gii-zii (Eagle) Clan. Members of the
Eagle Clan have the natural abilities of intuition, knowledge
of the future, and to pursue higher elevations of their mind.
They are considered the spiritual leaders of the Anishinabe. |
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Makwa has been living on the Red Cliff reservation all of his
life, is active in school activities, sports, with the Youth
Services Program, and also a traditional dancer. He has been
100% alcohol and drug free and is viewed as a role model. |
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Since his parents died when he was a baby, he was raised by
his grandparents. In the Indian way (extended family), Min-de
Moi-Yeah is his grandmother and has greatly influenced him in
his life. Four days after his birth, his grandparents gave
Min-de Moi- Yeah tobacco and gifts to ask her to give him an
Indian name. Biim-ee-bah-too Makwa was named after Min-de
Moi-Yeah’s father, a well known and respected person among the
Anishinabe. |
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Makwa speaks the Anishinabemowin, is known for his hunting
skills, and does Native Art. His work is featured and shown
in a number of galleries around the local area.
He is truly excited about Min-de Moi-Yeah’s 100th
Birthday Celebration. He worked very hard the last two years
in making this new Traditional Dance Regalia for the
Celebration. He wants to honor Min-de Moi-Yeah in a quiet,
humble, and yet powerful way |
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